Right in time for the launch? Apple supplier accused of labour abuse

A Chinese factory that supplies Apple with parts has been operating with violations of basic standards for health, safety and environmental protection, an investigative report said Thursday.

China Labor Watch and Green America itemized their findings in a 25-page report based on an investigation in August of a Catcher Technology plant in the city of Suqian. Asked about the report,Apple said that it audits the plant regularly and works with its operators to raise standards and implement best practices. “Apple is committed to ensuring safe and fair working conditions for everyone in our supply chain,” the California-based maker of iPhones, iPads, iPods, and Macintosh computers said in a statement. “Our suppliers must live up to the toughest standards in the industry if they want to keep doing business with Apple. We know our work is never done, and we are devoted to constant improvement.” Catcher Technology responded to the report with a statement saying, “We are deeply concerned about the claims made by China Labor Watch, and we take the report very seriously.